The 20 Most Relaxing Hobbies to Try This Year

Publish date: 2024-03-19

A soothing and almost meditative hobby, knitting has long been praised for its mental health benefits. However, its benefits are now more evident than ever before, as a new study has found it to be the most relaxing hobby around, thanks to its ability to decrease the average heart rate by 18.75%.

The world's largest DIY community, DIYS, analysed 357 adults between the ages of 20 and 30 who were wearing a Fitbit, to find out if some of the most-loved hobbies are as soothing as they appear to be. Over two weeks, they collected data, revealing which soothing tasks calm our heartbeat the most.

While knitting came out on top, with 93% of participants finding it to be the most relaxing, other hobbies such as fishing, blogging and calligraphy were also praised for their ability to improve our wellbeing. Meanwhile, painting, candle making and, unsurprisingly, baking all made it into the top 20 list.

blondhaired woman painting watercolour in sun light, close up

Guido Mieth//Getty Images

Painting was also praised for its ability to improve our wellbeing.

"Lockdown has proven that we're more than capable of taking up new and exciting hobbies," explains the team at DIYS. "A study by Psychological Sciences Professor, Matthew J. Zawadski at the University of California, found that engaging in a mentally stimulating hobby reduces stress levels."

If that doesn't convince you to try out a new hobby, what will? Take a look at the most relaxing ones to try out below...